Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative sees tech support cost reduction from Calix platforms

Oct. 14, 2019
The co-op is using those savings to upgrade the Wi-Fi capabilities it offers to its customers.

Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) says that customer Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative (FTC) has reduced its tech support costs by 66% through use of the Calix Support Cloud (CSC). The broadband technology supplier says that FTC also has reduced trouble call volume by 35% and average call time by 55% through use of Calix Customer Success Services. The co-op is using those savings to upgrade the Wi-Fi capabilities it offers to its customers.

Rainsville, AL, based FTC is the largest member-owned telecommunications cooperative in the state, says Calix. The service provider operates a broadband network that is 93% fiber built and leverages Calix’s AXOS operating system and the company’s E7-2 Intelligent Modular System. FTC has used the Calix GigaCenter and 804Mesh satellites as CPE but is now moving to the company’s GigaSpire unit, which is a Wi-Fi 6 system powered by Calix’s EXOS. Calix says the upgrade will enable better Wi-Fi coverage and improved performance as well as new, customized services.

“We realized quickly that reinforcing frontline support would improve our efficiency in addressing member issues and delivering the best possible experience,” said Charles Austin, manager, network engineering and operations for FTC. “Working with Calix has eliminated unnecessary truck rolls and delivered tremendous cost savings, which we are reinvesting into our members by upgrading their home Wi-Fi systems to GigaSpires. Calix Support Cloud is the key to ensuring their experience remains consistent and seamless.”

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About the Author

Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave

Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.

Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.

He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.

You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn as well as Twitter.

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